Drawing Sonoma: Duhring Building

The last Friday of every month the Index-Tribune runs images and historical essays from Sonoma artist Barbara White Perry’s book of ink and vine-charcoal illustrations, “Drawing Sonoma,” to celebrate some of Sonoma Valley’s most iconic buildings.

THE DUHRING BUILDING 498 FIRST ST. E.

Frederick and Dorothea Duhring arrived in California from Germany in 1853, came to Sonoma and started a general store in Sam Morrow’s original adobe building. In three years they acquired ownership of the property and in 1885 the store was enlarged and the adobe walls were faced with wooden siding. Frederick died in 1889 and the business passed to his son, Fredrick T. Duhring.

In 1891 Fredrick T. constructed the first section of the brick building with corner windows capped by a cupola. It was designed by A.C. Lutgens (who also designed Sonoma City Hall in 1908, Carnegie Library in 1913 and Sonoma Grammar School in 1916).

Frederick T. operated the store until 1932 when the business was turned over to August Pinelli who named it “Mission Hardware.” Born in Sonoma in 1902, August became a civic and business leader and was named first Sonoma Alcalde, or honorary mayor, in 1976. Many will remember Mission Hardware as having everything you needed. It was packed floor to ceiling with hammers, saws, washing machines, bails of wire, mattresses and gadgets of every sort. August knew where each item, no matter how small, was located. The building and contents were destroyed by fire in 1990.

Faith and Frederick K. Duhring (grandson of Frederick) were surprised at the public’s reaction and support. Sonoma League for Historic Preservation members rallied to swiftly restore the building. Bricks were saved and mortar was removed by hand from every brick by Sonoma citizens. Architect Reiner Keller measured the remains of the building, studied old photos to recreate the exact pattern of the bricks and the plans to rebuild. Donations from the community allowed the restoration to be completed in 1991.

The Duhring family, now four generations, granted a Façade Easement to the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation. The easement freezes the brickwork, the cupola and the design in time. The exterior of the building cannot be changed without approval. Mission Hardware is currently known as the Corner Store.

Sonoma remains the charming, historical city it is today because of the Duhring family, August Pinelli and the dedication of so many others that followed.

“Drawing Sonoma” is available at Readers’ Books in Sonoma.

Email Barbara@BarbaraWhitePerry.com.